The word 'beatitude' is derived from the Latin 'beatitudo' ... meaning happiness or blessedness. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus sets forth a promise for each of the virtues associated with being a follower of Christ. (found in Matthew 5:3-10)
Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Acknowledging spiritual poverty is the initial step that leads to salvation. Those who are broken in their own eyes are reserved a place in the royal bloodline of Christ.
Blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be comforted. Each moment of grief becomes a point of contact with a loving God (an intimacy that can only come through experiencing heartache).
Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. When meekness becomes our mantle, we take on the likeness of the Lord Jesus Christ. The best of this world is given to those who take no pride in 'it' ... or themselves.
Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. Such is the longing for goodness, that sanctification becomes a treasured allowance. Hunger and thirst for righteousness will finally be sated in Glory.
Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. What we are to others, God will be to us.
Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. No one will be with God in His heavenly kingdom who has not been purified by His grace here below. (Lord, create in me a clean heart ... Psalm 51:10)
Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. Never let us be peace-'breakers' ... but peace-'makers'. Our demeanor is evidence of an intimate relationship with Jehovah Shalom.
Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. As we deny 'self' and take up our cross to follow Christ, we will certainly be reviled at times for His name’s sake ... but there remains a promised entrance into His kingdom.
These eight beatitudes can only be lived out by true believers ... those whose lives are surrendered to the Lordship of Jesus Christ. The Sermon on the Mount did not say, 'Live like this in order to be saved' but, 'Live like this because you are saved'.
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